Platform Scientist
About Us
Materials contribute to 50% of global CO2 emissions, those critical to the net-zero transition such as magnets, semiconductors, hydrogen fuel, batteries are some of the biggest contributors. Yet, using conventional experimental techniques, we have only discovered a fraction of material possibilities. We’re using AI to discover new and more sustainable materials.
We have raised over £3m to accelerate the change to net-zero materials through innovation and secured partnerships with international businesses. Backed by top VC funds and leading institutions including Innovate UK, Google, Microsoft and AWS we are growing our team to transform the landscape of material development as we strive towards a more sustainable future.
About the role
The ideal candidate for this role would be a scientist with experience both in materials modelling and in experimental work such as metallurgy, deposition, ceramics or inorganic chemistry.
You will play a crucial role in discovering and developing promising classes of novel materials, and performing detailed modelling of candidate systems.
As an early employee, and the first in this function, this role presents an exciting opportunity to step in at the ground floor and take on fast-moving goals and significant responsibilities that will evolve as our company grows.
You will work closely with Dr Jonathan Bean our Chief Executive Officer and world-class developers developing our cutting-edge platform and development strategy.
Responsibilities:
Use general-purpose tools for data-driven materials modelling, tackling challenges across a wide range of material classes and applications in an agile environment.
Design and orchestrate workflows of high-throughput calculations and providing insights into how to improve the tools.
Implement development best-practices, including documentation and of the scientific process.
Collaborate with our tech team to identify goals for platform development, opening new avenues for scientific investigation.
Take on more responsibility and take a lead on specific aspect of the platform as we grow as a company and scale up our technology.
Supporting the process of writing grant applications.
Reviewing the literature to determine what the current state of a certain material area is.
About you
We are looking for talented and, more importantly, passionate individuals who are motivated by the application of science and innovation to achieve net-zero materials.
Essential - technical:
Minimum 2.1 first degree in a Physical Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
PhD in Physical Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
Excellent working knowledge of scientific principles and appreciation of their application to materials challenges.
Knowledge of experimental materials science such as:
Understanding of processes such as casting, welding, forging, and heat treatment.
Risk and safety assessments
Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations, such as ASTM, ISO, and others.
Knowledge of quality standards and methodologies to ensure materials and products meet required specifications.
Experience with metallurgical testing and analysis techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and metallography.
Knowledge of the computational modelling of materials. With experience in tools such as:
molecular dynamics
density functional theory/ time dependent density functional theory
crystal plasticity models
kinetic Monte Carlo
dislocation dynamics
coarse grain modelling
Excellent understanding of experimental metallurgy or deposition.
An understanding of what goes into a grant application. Track record of using this knowledge to successfully complete projects.
Essential - personal:
Comfortable quickly adapting to new situations, learning new skills, and working independently as a self-starter.
Inquiring mind, aptitude for creative thinking and problem solving, and proactive, methodical, and organised approach.
Excellent communicator, able to effectively convey information to technical and non-technical colleagues in both written and verbal formats.
Proven track record of ability to work effectively in a team.
Appreciation of the needs, priorities, and challenges faced by a start-up company.
Right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.
Desirable:
Understanding of issues in material sustainability and commitment to addressing them.
Some understanding of project management principles, agile working or the desire to learn these skills.
Benefits of working with us
📈 Stock Options: We value our employees and you to share in the success of the company. You will be a vested partner in our future achievements.
🌍 Shape the company's future: Joining us at this early-stage presents a unique opportunity to shape the direction of the company and have a meaningful impact as we continue to grow.
🏦 Future security: We are VC backed and have secured future funding. This stability provides you with confidence and assurance in your contribution to the business.
🌴 Flexible holidays: 33 days holiday/year which can be used on UK public holidays or one more convenient days for you.
🎂 Your birthday day off: Enjoy a well-deserved day off to celebrate and recharge.
💻 Flexible work arrangements: We operate on a hybrid model with an average of 3 days in office/week. Flexible working times can also be arranged.
📒 Continuous learning and growth: We’re pioneers in our field. You'll be encouraged to expand your knowledge and skills in new areas, keeping you at the forefront of industry advancements.
The recruitment process
Three stage interview process:
Initial 45 min video call "get to know" by our Chief Scientist, Jon Pillow
1.5 hour in-person interview, at our London offices, to go into detail around tech & science and a chance to meet the broader team
A final 30 minute culture interview led by our CCO, Nic Stirk
Successful candidates will need to complete:
Belbin teams role profile (personality profile for which you’ll receive a full report)
References from two separate employers
DBS check
Materials Nexus actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
